Mari Ann Banks, Ph.D.

Director

Dr. Mari Ann Banks became Director of the Center for Academic Success on August 1, 2015. She has 19 years of experience working at both the Secondary and Post-Secondary levels. Dr. Banks holds a Ph.D. in Multicultural Education from Emory University, a J.D. from Mercer University, and a B.S. from Wright State University in English, Sociology, and Psychology Education. Dr. Banks came to Clayton State in 2012. She is currently an Associate Professor of Multicultural Education and an M.A.T. Coordinator. Well-versed in the development and implementation of curriculum and assessment, Dr. Banks has published in the fields of instructional methodology, diversity, multicultural training, and the implementation of academic support services for at-risk students. She brings all of this experience to the Center and actively participates with staff, faculty and students in providing the services that help our students achieve success during their time at Clayton State.

Jada Mitchell

Academic Services Coordinator

Jada Mitchell is the Academic Services Coordinator in the Center for Academic Success. She oversees the Academic Coaching program, Operation Study, and CAS Outreach initiatives. She also serves as coordinator of the Early Alert Program . She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Business Administration from Elon University and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University. Jada has a passion for helping others achieve their goals.

Rita Maria Basile

Tutor Coordinator

Rita Maria Basile is the Tutor Coordinator in the Center for Academic Success. She hires, manages, and conducts training for the CAS' peer tutors. Rita holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Rhode Island. Certified as a master level tutor by the College Reading and Learing Association, Rita has over a decade of tutoring experience working in the tutoring center of the University of Rhode Island, Salve Regina University, and Clayton State University. Rita Maria is friendly, supportive, and passionate about education, learning, and the tutoring program.

Matthew Smith

Lecturer of Mathematics

Matthew graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics in 2008 and his Master’s of Arts in Teaching Mathematics in 2010. Both degrees were earned from Clayton State University. Matthew worked as a tutor and a supplemental instructor for the CAS before 2010. He taught in the math department for a year and has since returned to the CAS to teach Learning Support Math.